(Chris McKhool entertains children along with Sultans of String. Photo: Submitted)
Halloween 2020 is bound to look a little different. Enter JUNO Award nominee and MASC artist Chris McKhool with an idea: a free Kids Halloween Zoom Party on Saturday, October 31 at 6:00 pm, where children can show off their costumes, sing some songs, and have a dance party with other children… virtually.
“I love Halloween, and I wanted to do something nice for all the families struggling with what to do with their kids. I wanted to find a fun and safe way for me, my wife, and our 9 year old daughter to celebrate Halloween with her friends and neighbours,” says McKhool.
“The idea grew from there and now we are extending the invitation across the country for families to join with us. We will sing a few songs, have a dance party, a costume contest, and give away prizes. This will be on Zoom so we can see each other and celebrate together.”
“As a MASC artist, Chris has already had to be innovative in his approach to sharing his music with schools and communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Québec” says Micheline Shoebridge, Co-Executive Director of MASC.
“Since the pandemic has necessitated restrictions on live performances and workshops, he has transitioned to offering an online program with MASC, through which he has been able to reach even more children and youth across Canada. We are grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting Chris’s latest creative project!”
Born and raised in Ottawa, community-minded Chris McKhool is hailed as a “Children’s musical star” and “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people.” (Mississauga Living Arts Centre). He is also the bandleader and violinist in three time JUNO Award nominated Sultans of String, but the band will not be joining him for this show.
Instead his educator wife will be helping to lead the party with the Zoom kids, and his daughter will work the puppets and stuffies. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance to ensure a safe moderated Zoom room to party in.
Reserve your free tickets at the following link: https://sidedooraccess.com/shows/OpBNeLGNHbk8E6bUVVVw.
Chris McKhool has been delighting audiences with infectious songs and exotic world instruments for over two decades, reaching over 1 million children live in concert. McKhool’s live shows feature original songs from his appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, TVOntario’s Crawlspace and live CBC Television and Radio. He has the odd distinction of creating the world’s largest bicycle bell orchestra at Yonge-Dundas Square to raise awareness of environmental initiatives.
